Mama Kandeh, Secretary General and Party Leader of the GDC, and Dou Sannoh, Political Adviser to President Barrow
By Buba Gagigo
Dou Sannoh, the Political Adviser to President Adama Barrow, has fired back at comments made by the leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Hon. Mama Kandeh, regarding Barrow’s aspirations for a third term. Sannoh contends that Kandeh’s misrepresentation of facts demonstrates that he lacks the credibility to lead, even at the most local level.
Last Friday, Kandeh called on Gambians to reject President Barrow’s bid for a third term, asserting that “the presidency is over” for the leader of the National People’s Party (NPP).
Sannoh challenged Kandeh’s statements, emphasizing the need for factual accuracy: “You were a National Assembly Member, so you should understand the constitutional provisions regarding term limits. Where in the constitution does it say President Barrow cannot run for a third term? If you have concerns, cite the relevant section. It’s straightforward. You lack the authority, influence, or resources to prevent President Barrow from seeking a third term. The constitution, which holds greater power than any of us, allows him to contest, and no individual can halt that process. Misinterpreting such matters is irresponsible. Your comments have disqualified you, showing that no one should trust you to lead even a compound.”
Sannoh further stated that Kandeh would be accountable for any repercussions stemming from his call for Gambians to reject Barrow’s third-term aspirations. “You are not above the law and never will be. Engage in politics in a way that can genuinely educate Gambians,” he said.
Regarding Barrow’s ambitions, Kandeh accused the president of harboring delusions by suggesting his son would succeed him, advising Barrow to prioritize his own interests first. In response, Sannoh asserted that Kandeh had misquoted the president.
“When the President mentioned being succeeded by his ‘son,’ he wasn’t talking about his son from Barrow Kunda; he was referring to members of his NPP party. If there’s any misunderstanding, I suggest you look deeper into it,” Dou Sannoh said. “I hadn’t intended to respond, as we’re all part of the same community. But consider this: today, Barrow holds the presidency, and while you both come from the same place, attended the same school, and once ran against each other in a parliamentary election where you won, he still chose to work alongside you for the good of Jimara. He’s proven he harbors no jealousy toward you and has no desire for conflict between the two of you.” he said.
The president’s political adviser, Dou Sannoh, stated that President Barrow’s lack of jealousy is what has made him worthy of leading the country.
“He has led not only Jimara but the entire nation, including your own village. That’s why he made sure electricity poles reached your compound gate, so you could wake up each day with a smile. Let me clarify, though—when President Barrow said the NPP is his family, he meant that his successor would come from the NPP, not specifically from his Barrow Kunda family. I understand that you are eager to become president, but leadership is granted by God, not by self-proclamation. Unfortunately, Gambian opposition leaders often make all sorts of statements while their supporters cheer them on,” Sannoh said in response to remarks from Mama Kandeh.
Dou Sannoh also challenged the leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress, asking about his source of income.
“As an opposition leader, you should be transparent with us about how you earn a living. We haven’t seen you running a business or holding any formal employment. We’ve seen the PDOIS establish a school as part of their opposition work, and although the United Democratic Party hasn’t directly contributed anything, their leader is a lawyer who earned a living through his profession. But what about you, Mama Kandeh? What business or job do you do to support yourself? Gambians deserve an explanation. Making bold statements against the president just to gain financial support may be your choice, but if you’re going to do so, you should always speak the truth,” Sannoh told Kandeh.